Less pay for black academics at the University and College Union (UCU) analysis suggests racism against black and minority ethnic academicians.
At UK universities, people of color are least likely to hold top positions and to work at decision-making forums. Chances of them becoming professors are also thin. Not only they are not given top-notch positions but are also paid less compared to their white colleagues.
In spite of significant progress in policy-making like that of Race Equality Charter and 2010 Equality Act aiming at promoting the minority ethnic academics and students at higher studies, racism could never cease to exist. This shows the prevalence of structural and institutional racism in higher educational institutions (HEIs).
For the most part, racism goes unrecognized and hence untreated. Its prevalence is subtle and yet, obvious. Upon receiving complaints, senior authorities show no real concern and endorse a far-fetched dream of cultural diversity and inclusiveness of minority groups at educational institutions dominated by the white majority.
Less pay for black academics show racism at peak
The UCU’s analyzed the statistics from the academic year 2017 and 2018 and found out the pay gap of black and white colleagues to be 14%.
Black and minority ethnic staff are not only underpaid but are also excused from enjoying top-notch managerial positions. The ratio of professors in white academic staff is 1:9 which is 11% to be precise. Whereas for black staff it is 1:33 which is as low as 3%. As for Asian staff, it is 1:15.
84% of total academic staff at universities in the UK is white. About 91% of top management and 93% of professors belong to the white majority. Less pay for black academics is not uncommon in countries where the predominant leadership is white.
Racism has no place in an academic institution
Jo Grady – general secretary UCU, said that these figures clearly show less pay for black academics and other non-white minority groups. Along with the underpayment issue, what worries him more is the fact that minority groups are facing under-representation also and are deprived of working at top-level managerial positions. He stated:
In order to make headway, systematic transformation coupled with tough conversations is needed. Universities are required to work, hand in hand with us, to get racism addressed and to ensure the practices for getting true change implemented for black and minority ethnic staff.
